Kris Martin ‘Astragaloi’

Kris Martin, Astragaloi, 2014

Astragaloi (the precursor of today’s dice) is one of the oldest documented games. Originally played with sheep bones, it was used not only to test players’ skill and dexterity, or to gamble, but also as an oracle to read the future. Conceptual artist Kris Martin has created a version from his own scanned carpal bones, transferring this ancient game to the here and now by means of advanced scanning technology. Cast in solid bronze (earlier versions exist in silver and gold), the artist’s bones may be thrown like dice by their future owners. Available in a limited edition of 10; each edition consists of 8 bronze forms as pictured.